Abstract: A liquid crystal display which includes a pair of substrates, a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between the pair of substrates, and electrodes respectively formed on facing surfaces of the pair of substrates for applying an electric field to each pixel. A first alignment film is formed on the surface of one of the pair of substrates and covers the electrodes formed thereon. The first alignment film aligns the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer in a direction generally vertical to a plane of the substrates. A second alignment film is formed on the surface of the other of the pair of substrates and covers the electrodes formed thereon. The second alignment film aligns the liquid crystal molecules in a direction generally parallel to the plane of the substrates and gives a pre-tilt to the liquid crystal molecules.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display element does not include an orientation layer for orienting a liquid crystal material injected between a pair of substrates thereof. Liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal material are oriented randomly in random directions between the substrates. Macroscopically, the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal material are oriented omnidirectionally in a substrate in-plane direction, so that the molecules have an equal random probability of orientation in each direction. Microscopically, however, the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal material are unidirectionally oriented.

Abstract: A liquid crystal element has a pair of opposed substrates, electrodes thereon, and a ferroelectric liquid crystal sealed between the substrates. A film of a conductive organic compound or a mixture of a conductive organic compound and another organic compound is disposed on the substrate surface, optionally via an orienting film. The conductive organic compound is typically a charge-transfer complex. The film may be formed by an LB method, coating, vapor phase polymerization or electrolytic polymerization. The element has improved optical bistability, contrast, and response.